MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines' women's basketball team, Perlas Pilipinas, hopes to continue their good showing in the upcoming South East Asia Basketball Association championship in Malacca, Malaysia on September 20-26.
Blackwater Elite assistant coach Patrick Aquino will return together with the core of the team who competed in the 2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship.
Aquino said there is pressure to deliver since the team was elevated to Level 1 of the FIBA Asia championship on 2017 after defeating India.
"Medyo pressured. We're hoping that we will do good this year," he said at the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at Shakey's in Malate, Manila.
Among those who will return is former UAAP MVP Raiza Palmera-Dy, who was named team captain.
Palmera-Dy will replace veteran Merenciana Arayi, who will miss the tournament after contracting dengue.
"Mas younger 'yung team. Advantage sa amin 'yun since fresh legs. Takbo lang ng takbo kapag bata." Palmera-Dy said.
UAAP Season 78 Rookie of the Year Jack Danielle Animam will provide the youthful boost together with Chack Cabinbin, Ara Abaca and Janine Pontejos.
"It (competition) will be very tough. May mga adjustment kami na ginawa." Animam said. "Siguro I think it's a good opportunity sa amin para mag jive pa yung mga laro namin."
Perlas last won the SEABA Championship in 2010 when the tournament was staged in the country.